Justin Wilson takes over position as new Wayland athletic director

WAYLAND – Fans of Wayland Union athletics will see a new face on the sidelines of Wildcat athletic events this school year.

Justin Wilson, formerly the athletic director at Holton High School, took over the reigns as Wayland’s new athletics director, July 28.

Justin Wilson (Jeff Swainston | Advance Newspapers)

Wilson served as Holton’s athletic director for five years. Wilson also taught both English and Government at Holton and also coached baseball, football, and basketball during his tenure.

The move to Wayland provided Wilson with the added responsibilities that he was looking for professionally.

“I had been seeking an opportunity to grow professionally,” Wilson said. “I enjoyed my time as a classroom teacher, but wanted to become a full-time administrator. Wayland has provided me with an opportunity to continue to oversee athletics, but also learn other components of school administration. I will have some assistant principal responsibilities in my new role, and I am excited about that.”

Wilson is also excited about overseeing the many teams and student-athletes in the Wayland school district.

“The athletic program at Wayland is strong,” Wilson said. “Many teams and athletes have had recent success during MHSAA tournament competition. There are dedicated and experienced coaches who have high expectations of athletes.

“The community is much larger than Holton, however it shares many of the same characteristics. It is full of hard-working people who take a tremendous amount of joy in watching the school be successful. I see continued success and growth for Wayland athletics.”

Wilson was a 2002 graduate of Holton High School. During his time at Holton, he played football, basketball, and baseball. After high school, Wilson played baseball at Muskegon Community College and later completed his undergraduate degree at Grand Valley State University.